See How Easily You Can Learn A New Language

Spring I term language classes begin March 4 at Maria Oliveira Language Learning Center, with a variety of affordable conversational language classes, online courses, Spanish for healthcare and social services professionals, and a new Special Topic Workshop series for conversational Spanish. Specializing in conversational Spanish and Portuguese, including European Portuguese and Brazilian Portuguese, the Language Learning Center also provides classes in French, Italian, Mandarin, and English for Non-Native Speakers. Classes are primarily for adult learners, but there is also an after-school program for students between ages 7 and 11, with each term lasting for six weekly sessions.

"Our classes feature small groups of ten or fewer students so that there is more time for individual attention which, of course, leads to faster learning," explains Maria Oliveira, director of Maria Oliveira Language Learning Center, located in Pinole, California. “We work closely with our students to guide them towards becoming bilingual, whether it is through a conversational language class, online options, or even our language classes for healthcare and social services professionals.”

New Conversational Spanish - Special Topic Workshops

New this term are special topic workshops for individuals who wish to focus on or review specific grammatical structures in the Spanish language to perfect overall communication skills. Through this workshop series, students can choose special topics like, Direct and Indirect Pronouns, Por and Para, English Accent Reduction, Reflexive Verbs and Pronouns and more. These 2 hour special topic workshops provide students with the essential tools to expand comprehension and proper usage of the Spanish language. http://www.marialanguages.com/classes/spanish-classes-special-topics.shtml

The popular conversational Spanish class for healthcare and social service professionals will be offered this term, which also provides the opportunity to earn continuing education units or CEU’s. The Healthcare Professionals class is a specialized and intensive course designed to enhance effective communication between patients and healthcare providers. For social services professionals and employees who interact with Spanish-speaking clients, the Spanish for Social Services Professionals class can improve communication with Spanish-speaking clients in screenings and interviews. http://www.marialanguages.com/classes/ceu.shtml

The Language Learning Center also offers online courses, workbooks, and CDs for students. These materials can supplement their classroom learning through study aids such as practice lessons, self-tests with interactive exercises, quizzes, and audio clips to review correct pronunciations. http://www.marialanguages.com/media/booksmedia.shtml

Recognizing that individuals learn languages differently, there are a variety of other programs offered to meet students’ needs, such as one-on-one instruction; learning groups that meet weekly; and free social hours for students to practice their language skills with teachers, fellow students, and bilingual guests. Maria Oliveira Language Learning Center also has specialized English classes for non-native speakers, plus special classes on specific topics, such as classes on Spanish reflexive verbs and pronouns, for those students who need a review.

Language Workshop and Open House Scheduled for February 28, 2014

Be sure to attend this great opportunity to learn and practice basic to advanced language skills, meet fellow students, chat with teachers, ask questions and develop your conversational skills in a social setting. Learn about the Language Learning Center and its programs and enjoy light refreshments. The Open House will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Center at 2644 Appian Way, Suite 102, in Pinole, California. Individuals who register by February 25 earn a chance to win a Maria Oliveira Language Learning Package. The open house is free, but space is limited. RSVP at http://www.marialanguages.com/classes/socialevents.shtml.

Maria Oliveira’s goal is to guide students towards becoming bilingual by teaching basic phrases and sentences that become usable in a very short period of time. This quick success builds confidence, which in turn makes the learning process enjoyable, productive and effective. Her special combinations of affordability, convenience, and an encouraging environment makes Maria Oliveira’s classes and programs the top choice for effective language learning.